EU Commissioner hits out at CLs in Thailand

The European Commissioner for Trade, Peter Mandelson, has renewed his opposition to the government of Thailand, over the latter's "systematic recourse to compulsory licenses" for prescription drugs for a range of conditions including HIV/AIDS, cardiovascular disease and cancer (Marketletters passim). However, according to a report by Ed Silverman on the Pharmalot blog (www.pharmalot.com), this public stance by Mr Mandelson has put him at odds with the European Parliament's International Trade Committee, which has explicitly given the Thai government its backing for the controversial patent-grabbing policy.

Responding to the Committee's request for clarification, the EC Trade chief said: "we do not question the right of any country to issue compulsory licenses." Mr Mandelson added that it should, however, be the last resort after attempts to reach a negotiated settlement and should be part of a broader public health strategy.

He said: "first, it may become an easy excuse for governments not to take their responsibilities in setting up efficient reimbursement mechanisms for health expenses, or not to negotiate lower prices with the manufacturers. Secondly, it would eventually be detrimental to the innovation and the development of new medicines."